Groomsmen Attire

Great news! Choosing your groomsmen's outfits isn't nearly as hard as choosing the bridesmaids dresses! LOL! But seriously, in general, while your groomsmen's outfits should match and mimic the groom's attire, they shouldn't match the groom exactly.  The grooms outfit should have obvious variables that will make him stand out (i.e. different color/style vest, tie, bow-tie, boutonniere) from the other guys.  After all, it's HIS day.  

Your groomsmen are expected to pay the fees for their attire.  Most groomsmen will either rent or buy a tuxedo. They should be the same style, by the same manufacturer. Keep in mind that most rental companies require the outfit to be returned the next day so please read the contract carefully. If renting, designate one of your groomsmen to return everyone's tux the next day.  The groomsmen should also have matching accessories so that they look unified.  

HERE'S A TIP: Schedule a day with the 'fellas' to all get fitted at the tuxedo shop or boutique of your choice.  If renting, all groomsmen should try on ALL pieces of the outfit, including the shoes to make sure everything fits because last minute changes may not be feasible.  Enjoy your "Guys Day Out!" Happy shopping!  #behappy

~Your Favorite Wedding Officiant~
www.sweetheartweddingvows.com

Proposing to Your Bridesmaids

Congrats! You got the ring! Now what? You get to choose which of your closest friends and family members you want to stand up for you on your wedding day!

Here are a few creative ideas on how to "Propose to Your Bridesmaids".  

Too cute!

Who can say 'no' to wine?

How sweet!

Nice!

For the 'creative' bride

LOL! This is my favorite!

How thoughtful!

Traditional, yet elegant!

#behappy

~Your Favorite Wedding Officiant~

www.sweetheartweddingvows.com 

What's a Wedding Officiant?

Hey Lovebirds, if you're not already familiar with the term 'Wedding Officiant', you soon will be. Simply put, a Wedding Officiant is the person who leads your wedding ceremony.  They have to be legally recognized by the state in which your wedding takes place. Your Wedding Officiant will have a HUGE influence on the tone of your ceremony, so it is important to find someone who has a style and belief system similar to yours and your spouse-to-be.  Who will you choose to marry you on your special day?  Here are a few tips to consider when looking for an Officiant:

1. Search for online reviews and testimonials to help establish their credibility or ask for references.  
2. Ask how they will dress for your ceremony.  
3. Ask if pre-marital counseling is mandatory or optional or if it's required at all.
4. Ask for their fee structure and if a deposit will be required.
5. Ask if you can review their contract terms before you make a payment.  
6. Try to get a feel for their ceremony style and make sure you are comfortable with them.
7. Be specific with your wants and requirements.  

As 'Your Favorite Wedding Officiant', I take my title and responsibilities very seriously because my company name is on the line.  I put my heart and soul into creating a personalized ceremony that you and your guests will enjoy.  I don't turn the ceremony into 'church' because I believe the ceremony, whether it's religious or non-religious, should be centered on the couple getting married.  I believe the ceremony should concentrate on the couple's love and commitment to each other.  While my couples' are interviewing me, I am interviewing them at the same time. This is important so that I can make sure I'm a good fit for them too.  I ask pointed questions so that I can get to know my couples.  How else can I personalize each ceremony?  If my couples need help with writing their vows, I have templates to get them started.  If my couples need me to attend and lead their wedding rehearsal, I will schedule it based on my availability.  If I am not available, I give them direction and suggestions by phone.    

The bottom line is your Officiant should be personable, flexible and willing to listen to your wants. After all, it's YOUR SPECIAL DAY, so your ceremony should be customized to fit YOU. 

If you live in the DMV and would like for me to officiate your wedding ceremony, email me at nicole@sweetheartweddingvows.com to check availability.  We are booking into 2016 so contact us as early as possible! Visit our website www.sweetheartweddingvows.com to see links to our 5-star customer reviews.  #behappy  

~Your Favorite Wedding Officiant~ 

Wedding Favors

Wedding Favors are a creative way to thank your guests for their support in attending the celebration of your special day.  They can be an extension of your wedding theme, or a small token that reflects your combined personalities as a couple.  I don't think there's a right or wrong wedding favor, and nowadays, wedding favors aren't mandatory.  

The best way to select a favor that is right for your wedding is to first determine your budget and number of guests.  If you're having a large wedding, it's cheaper to buy the favors in bulk.  Also think about what you might enjoy receiving if you were a guest. Here are a few ideas to consider as you're trying to decide what your favor will be:

• Choose a wedding favor that matches your design (theme) and decor.  If your decor is pink and white, you could set up a candy bar to match those particular hues. 
• Signature. A personalized monogram or wedding logo can be added to just about any party favor.
• Location & Season. Think about the wedding venue or destination and let that be your inspiration for your wedding favors. For instance, if you're having a beach wedding, favors like inscribed seashells or message in a bottle favors come to mind. For an outdoor summer wedding, you could consider favors like sunglasses or monogrammed sunscreen. If your wedding is in the fall, neatly packaged candy apples would be a sweet favor. Crystal bells and candles are fitting for winter weddings.   

Check out the favors at myweddingfavors.com and orientaltrading.com  Be sure to include a message with each wedding favor that thanks the guests for sharing your special day.Guests often look forward to receiving a keepsake favor to take home with them.  The best received wedding favors are those that are well packaged (presentation is everything), create a personal connection, and most importantly are given with love.  Best of luck!  #behappy

~Your Favorite Wedding Officiant~ 

www.sweetheartweddingvows.com

Is That Your Final Answer?

Once you and your spouse-to-be make a wedding-related decision, stick to it!  Don't go back and rethink it over and over again because you'll drive yourself insane. Final answer! 

Planning a wedding does not have to be stressful. There are many variables to consider before making huge decisions as it relates to your special day (ie. nailing down the date, the season, church or banquet hall, who will be in your bridal party, tux rentals, etc.) and your budget will be the deciding factor. So, first things first...agree on your wedding budget and do everything in your power not to exceed it.  

The world is full of naysayers, and a few might even be related to you. Try not to worry about what other people may think about your wedding decisions. It's YOUR day so have it YOUR way.  That old saying about having too many cooks in the kitchen...applies to planning your wedding day. Stay positive and trust your gut (and your partners' gut too). Whether your budget is $100 or $100,000, concentrate on the things that will make your day memorable and don't stress about the rest.

Make lots of lists.  Theknot.com offers pre-made checklists, and Buzzfeed.com has a collection of diagrams for planning every aspect of your wedding day.  

Your wedding in general, will be a big blur after all the excitement, and only the smallest, most important details will stand out the most. So enjoy the planning phase and have faith that it will all work out and your wedding will be one of the most memorable days of your life.  And that's my final answer! #behappy 

~Your Favorite Wedding Officiant~

Tips on Hiring Wedding Vendors

Dear Couples, it is always wise to check references before hiring your wedding vendors and before you sign any contracts. There are plenty of reference check questions on the internet to help guide your conversation. References will help you better understand the work ethic of the vendor you may hire.  Most vendors require a deposit to secure the wedding date. Please don't hand over any $$ without a written contract, or at least a detailed receipt.  Never let a vendor fast talk you into signing a contract that you haven't had the chance to review.

If you are uncomfortable calling references, then at the very least, do a quick internet search to see if your potential vendor has online reviews from past clients.  Certainly people can improve over time, so be sure to look at their most recent reviews. You should also do your due diligence when searching for a wedding venue. Search using sites like Yelp, Google, Wedding Wire, Thumbtack, etc., to get feedback from past clients. 

Questions to consider: 

1. How long has this vendor been in business and how many weddings have they done?

2. How much are the services and how much is the deposit? Any additional fees?

3. What is the vendors cancellation policy?

Once you decide to hire a vendor, be sure to discuss all the details of the services that you are expecting, and make sure the vendor is flexible enough to roll with the punches if s few details are tweaked. 

Be sure to check out our 'Vendor Resources' page for suggested vendors (DJs, Florists, Caterers, Makeup Artists, Photographers, etc.) in the DMV http://www.sweetheartweddingvows.com/vendor-resources.html 

Best Wishes.  #behappy

Walking down the Aisle

Hey Lovebirds! After you say your beautiful wedding vows to each other and after Your Favorite Wedding Officiant  (Yours Truly) pronounces you together...forever, enjoy your walk down the aisle. Make it last! We understand you may be nervous, so take your time. As you're walking up the aisle, smile for the cameras, dance a little, wave, shake a few hands, and even hug a few guests! Soak up all the attention! Cherish every moment of your wedding day because it goes by so fast. Throw tradition out the window just for one day! Enjoy! #behappy

P.S. Here's a picture of my husband and I dancing and celebrating our way down the aisle. #weddingday

Tip of the Day

My Dear Brides, try not to get pressured into buying a wedding dress that you don't love, by well-meaning loved ones.  It's not about designer labels or the latest trends.  It's about you, your body and what looks and feels best.  Go with your gut feeling and try not to second-guess yourself.  When you find that perfect wedding dress, trust me, you'll know!  Happy Shopping! 

~ Your Favorite Wedding Officiant